Symptoms of A Stroke

A stroke, also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can happen in the blink of an eye. A stroke involves loss of brain functions, brought on by a loss of blood circulation to areas of the brain. Blockage occurs when a blood clot or piece of atherosclerotic plaque breaks away from another area of the body and lodges within the vasculature of the brain.

Common Signs Of A Stroke:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body


• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes


• Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination


• Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech


• Severe headache with no known cause

If you have any of these symptoms or see anyone with these symptoms, call 911 right away. Don't wait!

If you are having a stroke, you may not be unable to call 911, and your ability to move or talk will most likely be compromised. In most stroke cases, it is a bystander who calls 911. Everyone should become knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Two Types Of Stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: Secondary to a blood a clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain. It is unilateral, meaning only one side of the body is affected by a stroke occurring on the opposite side of the brain. In other words, a stroke in the right side of the brain affects the left side of the body.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain, and can be similar to symptoms of an ischemic stroke.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe headache


• Nausea and vomiting


• Neck stiffness


• Dizziness


• seizures


• irritability


• confusion


• unconsciousness

Simple Test For The Presence Of Stroke:

If The patient is conscious, have him/her stick their tongue out and request them to move it from left to right. If they can not perform this simple task chances are they are having a stroke.

Hand Grasps: Have the patient grab your hands and squeeze. Marked difference in the strength between left and right denotes possible stroke. The weaker side is the side the stroke is occurring on.

Mouth Droop: If you notice a decidedly downward droop on either side of the mouth also can be a sign of a cerebrovascular accident is happening.

Stroke symptoms may progress over minutes, hours, or days, and in a step-by-step fashion. A simple weakness may progress to an inability to move the arm and leg on one side of the body.

Recognizing symptoms of a stroke can be difficult to spot. The symptoms are mostly confused with conditions that have similar symptoms.

When a person is having any of the symptoms of a stroke as presented above, call for emergency help or head immediately to the hospital’s emergency room. Preparedness in case of emergency include:

• Have a list of emergency hotline numbers so that you can access immediately


• Have an idea of which medical facility is the nearest to you


• Find out which is the nearest and the best hospital that offers 24-7 service/care for people with stroke symptoms


• Don't ignore stroke symptoms even if they suddenly stop. It is advisable to get the victim to the hospital emergency room even if the symptoms have dissipated. Immediate action is required especially if stroke symptoms lasted several minutes.

It would also be advantageous if an ambulance with trained medical professionals and with a good life support system is sent for the victim of a stroke. Do not delay calling the emergency hotline 9-1-1 and be able to render first aid while on the way to the ER.

Immediate first aid helps to reduce complications, as well as help in preventing further brain damage and disabilities.

Complications:

• Inability to participate in activities of daily living


• Pain


• Recurrent strokes


• Emotional difficulties

The moment you become aware of the manifestation of stroke symptoms, you must get medical help immediately. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, it is advisable to observe the patient closely. This is because there may be some steps you may have to take while the emergency rescue team has not arrived yet. A few steps may be:

• If the patient has suddenly stopped breathing, perform a mouth to mouth resuscitation.


• Make sure that your loved one does not eat or drink during the onset of stroke symptoms due to the risk of choking hazard.


• In the event that the patient experiences vomiting, turn the patient’s head sideways to avoid emesis from entering the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia.

Every minute counts when a stroke event is occurring . Untreated symptoms produce greater damage that are preventable. Act promptly in the presence of stroke symptoms to ensure safety and recovery.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT